Baar Baar - LA — Restaurant in Los Angeles

This is my fourth visit to Baar Baar (which translates to “again and again” in Hindi) since they opened, and it has quickly become my favorite Indian restaurant in Los Angeles. Baar Baar delivers consistently on all fronts—fantastic food, a warm and inviting ambiance, stylish decor, and attentive service. The chef skillfully reinvents the foundation of traditional Indian cuisine, presenting it in modern and delightful ways that keep you coming back for more. Adding to the experience is a creative cocktail menu, with drinks inspired by classic Bollywood movies—a playful nod to Indian pop culture.

Here are the standout dishes and drinks I find myself ordering “baar baar” (again and again): • Munna Bhai: A clever twist on the classic Penicillin cocktail, this version replaces honey syrup with mango syrup, offering a tropical depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky notes of the drink. • Homemade Crisps: A medley of Indian-style crisps served with flavorful accompaniments. These are perfect for snacking as you wait for your main course. • Dahi Puri: A sophisticated reinterpretation of this beloved street food. Instead of the typical chickpea crisp, the chef fills a delicate chickpea ball with tamarind, mango, yogurt mousse, and a raspberry-dusted Indian spice. The flavors burst in your mouth, but be sure to eat it whole—trying to nibble will leave you with yogurt-covered hands! • Avocado Bhel: A modern take on bhel puri, this dish features black puffed rice for a unique crunch. While it doesn’t resemble traditional street food in flavor, it’s a fun and inventive alternative worth trying. • Chicken Malai Tikka: As its name suggests (“malai” means cream), this dish offers tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken with a creamy, mild flavor profile. Perfect for those who prefer dishes without much spice. • Lamb Hyderabad Keema: Minced lamb seasoned to perfection and served with a soft, pillowy bun that takes the dish to another level. A must-try! • Jackfruit Dum Biryani: A personal favorite, this biryani is made with raw jackfruit, which mimics the texture of chicken and absorbs the spices beautifully. A wonderful option for vegetarians and adventurous eaters alike. • Chicken Chettinad and Malvani Shrimp: Both dishes showcase unique regional flavors of India, packed with bold and complex spices. Highly recommended for those eager to explore India’s culinary diversity.

Desserts at Baar Baar are equally impressive. The chef deconstructs traditional Indian sweets and transforms them into elegant, modern creations. My favorite is the Ras Malai, a delicate dish made with soft cheese and infused with a subtle rose flavor—it’s a perfect way to end the meal.

The décor at Baar Baar is a blend of mid-century modern and Art Deco, with an eye-catching al fresco mural that appears to pay homage to Indian movie stars of the 1970s. This design choice adds a nostalgic yet contemporary touch to the dining experience.

Whenever someone asks me for an Indian restaurant recommendation in Los Angeles, Baar Baar is the first name that comes to mind. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, and each visit feels like a...

Unbelievable, very memorable dinner. Easily 5 stars.

The staff is Michelin quality - extremely attentive, water constantly refilled, dishes cleared immediately, silverware replaced, crumbs swept, and always with a smile on their face. Great experience all around.

It was a little loud in the restaurant but I do think that's part of the vibe they're going for so I can't complain on that too much. The tables were close together without feeling overly crowded.

There's valet parking outside for $15, which is a nice touch. The neighborhood is fine to walk in but can't really beat that price downtown. For valet you have to pull in on 9th street - it's in the alley behind the restaurant.

But on to the food... top notch all around. For all of the below plus a soft drink we paid $200, including tax and tip. The amount of food was perfect for two people. Expensive but $200 for 6 dishes and 2 drinks isn't bad and it was expected coming into it based on the menu.

Appetizers/Small plates (good to share with two people):

Green Pea Kulcha: Incredible, definitely get this. Very warm spices, amazing flavor, and great presentation. One of the highlights of dinner.

Chicken Malai Tikka: Chicken was extremely tender but not a ton of flavor. It was good but I would try something different next time.

Sweet Potato Chat: Very good, complex flavors. Unlike anything I've had before, definitely recommend it to split with someone but maybe not as an entire appetizer for myself.

Cheese & Jalapeno Naan: Best naan I've ever had. Had the flavor of jalapeno without being spicy. Absolutely incredible, probably the best thing we ate at dinner.

Large plates:

Grain & Vegetable Biryani: Biryani is one of my favorite foods so I had very high expectations but this one was a bit of a letdown. Not much flavor at all. The pomegranate raita was amazing and improved the flavor but I think it's worth skipping.

Baar Baar Butter Chicken: Excellent, very deep flavor. At the first taste it tasted like what you would get from a takeout Indian restaurant but then another layer hits afterwards. Definitely a winner.

Drinks:

Mango Lassi: I'm usually not a fan but wanted to try it and it was excellent. As with most of the rest of the food it had an extra depth of flavor that...

Excellent experience!!! This was our sixth(?) trip to Baar Baar, and we love it every time. They've changed the menu a few times over the years, so we'll break down the night's dishes from December 2024 as follows:

CHUTNEY SET: collection of three chutneys served BY ITSELF (no crisps, chips, or paapads included). You can add the crisps for an additional $10. Flavor overall was decent, personal favorite was the sweet tamarind (other two options were mint and tomato). AMRITSARI PANEER KULCHA: Served hot and fluffy, arrived straight from the oven! Lots of delicious ghee smeared on top. There could've been more paneer in the stuffing. CAULIFLOWER 65: super tasty dish, appropriately spiced with a flavorful peanut sauce to go with it. consistency of the veggies was great. presentation was pretty good. SWEET POTATO CHAT: Delicious!!! A must-try! The crispy kale fritter on top was a perfect compliment to the tangy sweet potato cube on the bottom. It was all expertly positioned on top of an absolutely wonderful yogurt sauce. Truly a uniquely tasty chaat. KERALA FRIED CHICKEN: Pretty good, although not my personal favorite. Outside breading of the chicken was slightly similar to a veggie pakora, although the accompanying sauce was creamy and tasty. LAMB KEEMA HYDERABADI: Continues to delight!!! One of their classic specialties. We absolutely loved the creamy potato mousse on top of the exquisitely flavored lamb keema. Served with crispy, fluffy bread. Keema spice level was perfect for our tastes. KASHMIRI DUCK (BIRRIA) TACO: A new item, and absolutely fantastic!! Dish only comes with two tacos, but they are delicious! Duck meat is soft and flavorful, and the taco shell itself has a perfect crisp. Not a typical Indian dish, but well worth the chance! CHEESE & JALAPENO NAAN: Simple, yet tasty. Perfect soft consistency and cheesy flavor, wonderful accompaniment for any of the more spicy dishes.

Overall, Baar Baar is absolutely wonderful! Beautiful ambiance (loved the murals and artwork), and service was top-notch (took note of allergies and special requests immediately). Would...